SENATE OKAYS TOLENTINO'S RESOLUTION TO HELP VICTIMS OF TAAL ERUPTION

The Senate unanimously adopted a resolution filed by Senator Francis "Tol" Tolentino seeking to assist residents affected by the Taal Volcano eruption last January 12 who are still living in evacuation centers even amidst the ongoing coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.

"This is a simple resolution that would show that the Senate is touching the hearts of our kababayans in Batangas, Cavite, Calabarzon. They are not yet forgotten. The damages brought about by the Taal volcano should never be forgotten," Tolentino said during the session on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. Tolentino's Senate Resolution No. 297 calls on the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to formulate a framework for the Taal Volcano resettlement and rehabilitation program.

With the Taal Volcano still on Alert Level 1 based on the latest advisory by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), Tolentino underscored the need for the DHUSD to formulate post-disaster housing programs for the affected families living in the Taal volcano island.

"Hanggang ngayon po nandoon pa rin ang marami sa kanila sa evacuation centers ng mga nabanggit kong mga lugar. Talagang nakakaawa na po sila," he said.

As of now, Tolentino said around 900 families are residing in evacuation centers in five barangays in Talisay, Batangas and have nowhere to go because of the pandemic.

"Many of them rely on the tourism related activities including fisheries in the Taal volcano island. But it is now, as it has been declared, no man's land. It is for the government to provide government assistance to them," said Tolentino.